Red Bull Content Pool

F1 News

Max Verstappen reveals whether he will continue FIA protest

Verstappen reveals if he spoke with the FIA president after Singapore GP

18 October at 07:30
  • Nicole Mulder

Max Verstappen has not yet heard anything from the FIA regarding the community service penalty he was given during the Singapore Grand Prix weekend. The Red Bull Racing driver also says he has had no contact with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who wants to reduce swearing in Formula 1.

Red Bull's modification to its F1 car is the talk of the day. The team made changes after consulting the FIA, which had been made aware of a potential 'trick'. However, there is another issue surrounding the governing body: the community service penalty Verstappen was given for using a swear word during a press conference in Singapore.

Has Verstappen heard anything about his penalty?

"I haven't heard anything. So… Yeah. For me, it doesn't really change anything," Verstappen said ahead of the US GP. "I also prefer to talk less. So it's fine anyway for me," he added. Asked if he plans to give more extensive answers to the questions asked during the press conference this time, he replied somewhat cryptically: "Depends how complicated the questions are as well."

The three-time world champion clarified that he will speak, but reiterated that he prefers the media sessions outside the official press conferences. Many drivers backed Verstappen and it is possible that the FIA can expect another letter from the GPDA, the drivers' union. "At the end of the day everyone has their own opinion, but I think it's quite clear that... It was, like I said already, silly stuff," Verstappen said.

Verstappen had no contact with FIA president Ben Sulayem

Verstappen has not heard from FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem since the Singapore GP. "I'm always open for a chat, but... From my side at the moment, it's not that I am the one that has to reach out to this stuff. I just live my life, I just continue, nothing changes."

This article has been created in collaboration with Matt Gretton


Want more Formula 1? Then follow GPblog on our various social media channels!

XInstagram | TikTok | YouTube